Vermont Senate Passes Fuel Tax Increases

The Vermont Senate has pulled back somewhat on a gasoline tax increase passed by the House, but has made up for that by increasing the diesel tax.

In an unusual move, the Senate gave its version of a transportation budget bill preliminary and final approval on the same day. Lawmakers say quick action was required because part of the gas tax increase is to take effect May 1 — in just 11 days.

The Senate is looking to raise the gasoline tax by about 6 cents per gallon, from its current 26.6 cents, and would boost the diesel tax by 4 cents over two years.

The House version added about 6.7 cents to the gasoline tax but did not affect the diesel tax.